TOP OF MIND
Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans.
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION What did you think of (the Oct. 12) debate between Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and challenger Mark Ronchetti?
“I think Ronchetti did an excellent job during the debate with MLG. He touched on the concerns/issues so many New Mexicans are facing — border concerns, crime, drugs and budget of the state. Meanwhile MLG sat with crossed arms and a smug look on her face, mocking his answers. Boo.”
— Melissa Abeyta, Española
“... Mark Ronchetti did not demonstrate government nor educational experience. What qualifies him for the position? He did not demonstrate what he will do about the abortion issue nor what and how he will solve the economic issues.”
— Lorraine Aranda, Albuquerque
“Ronchetti nailed it. He was on target on the issues and impacts harming our state. Face it — no one person is safe. Grisham truly failed to respond to all questioning and instead continued to insult Ronchetti, which was a huge turnoff, taking out her frustrations on her ink pen. Go Ronchetti.”
— Valerie Espinoza, Santa Fe
“It was a clear win for MLG. Her demeanor was even and she didn’t require many notes. Ronchetti’s head was up and down and all around. He made all kinds of faces, showing his frantic and desperate mudslinging efforts. MLG made no mistakes. Great character and leadership.”
— Mark Yarnelle, Albuquerque
“I was relatively undecided, but the debate pushed me toward Ronchetti. The governor didn’t seem interested in any issue other than abortion. Gov. Lujan Grisham seems to not take crime seriously, and for that I’m voting for Ronchetti, and so are my co-workers.”
— Ricardo Guerrero, Albuquerque
“Michelle Lujan Grisham clearly won the debate. The GOP picked a former TV personality for president, and now the New Mexico GOP wants a weatherman. We need someone qualified with experience. The last thing we need is another insurrection.”
— Shawn Cyrua, Rio Rancho
“I was really impressed with Mark. Michelle gave the impression she was over-confident and didn’t need to get into the weeds with the issues. I am a registered Democrat — like most conservative Democrats I can’t support Michelle with her stance on the abortion issue. I have to say it’s time for a change. This country and state need to put an end to career politicians.”
— Enrique Garcia, Pecos
“Michelle beat him like a drum.” — Dorothy Fowler, Hobbs
“Lujan Grisham did not answer very many questions directly. She was evasive. Ronchetti did a much better job and laid out a better vision for N.M. MLG, abortion will be up to the voters, not the governor or the Legislature.”
— Harmon Clemmons, Dexter
“I thought Gov. Lujan Grisham showed she really understands the problems facing New Mexico and was able to point to a lot of legislative successes to help the state. I believe her work in government gives her a much better edge of how to get things done and broker deals . ... ”
— Sharon Miner, Albuquerque
“Mark Ronchetti was on point. Glad he was holding MLG accountable for running this state into the ground.
She has had four years to do what she promised and instead has forced us to endure poor education, high crime and an economic policy that is destroying small businesses.”
— Alan Martinez, Rio Rancho